Pierre, South Dakota is the Capital City alongside the River

The city of Pierre is the capital of the U.S. state of South Dakota and the county seat of Hughes County. The population was 13,876 at the 2000 census, making it the second least populous state capital after Montpelier, Vermont. Founded in 1880 on the Missouri River opposite Fort Pierre, Pierre has been South Dakota's capital since it gained statehood on November 11, 1889, having been chosen for its location in the geographic center of the state.

It is also a major statewide transportation hub and is famous for its memorial hall. The Capital Journal is the local newspaper. When making plans for a Pierre trip, vacationers should consider what they would like to do, and chances are there will be plenty that fits the bill in this charming city alongside the Missouri river.

Arts and Culture in Pierre, South Dakota

Those looking to relax or experience the culture also will find plenty of things to do in Pierre. The capitol building, which has enough beautiful art to fill a museum, offers free tours. The city is home to a small, but active arts community, including the long-running theater group, the Pierre Players Community Theatre. History buffs can add several other museums to their Pierre trip itineraries, including the Verendrye Museum, which explores the area's pioneer history. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center shares the legacy of the early Native American inhabitants and the European settlers who arrived in Pierre South Dakota. The city has retained its military heritage, which is waiting to be discovered at the South Dakota National Guard Museum. Fort Pierre Chouteau preserves what is left of a frontier outpost, and the Oahe Dam Visitor Center explores the history of the lake, dam, and power plant.

Outdoor Recreation in Pierre, South Dakota

Because the city of Pierre South Dakota is conveniently located alongside the Missouri River, it's natural that many things to do involve water sports. In the winter, many of the smaller lakes and ponds become ice rinks, and the ice fishing season kicks into high gear, especially at Griffin Park and Farm Island. The fishing pier at the causeway just off LaFramboise Island is a favorite place to catch walleye, trout, and northern pike when the mercury drops. In the summer, the list of Pierre attractions that draw crowds is topped by the two major lakes. Oahe offers more than 2,200 miles of shoreline and plenty of water for windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing. Sharpe Lake also offers abundant space for outdoor recreation.

South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium

At the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium, young travelers (and those that are young at heart) are encouraged to play and learn at the same time. The aquarium features fish native to the Missouri River. You can read more about this cool place at the website sd-discovery.org.

3 Notable people from Pierre

Floyd Bannister, Tom Brokaw and Rex Robbins and are 3 notable people from Pierre, the state capital of South Dakota. Floyd Franklin Bannister (born June 10, 1955) is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. In a 15-year major league career, Bannister compiled a 134-143 record. Thomas John "Tom" Brokaw (born February 6, 1940) is an American television journalist and author, best known as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004. Along with Peter Jennings at ABC News and Dan Rather at CBS News, Brokaw was one of the "Big Three" news anchors in the U.S. during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. Rex McNicol Robbins (1935 – 2003) was an American character actor of stage and screen. Robbins appeared opposite Angela Lansbury in the 1974 Broadway revival of Gypsy. His last film was a brief appearance in The Royal Tenenbaums.